How a Radical Pursuit Bike Concept Channels Francesco Moser’s Revolutionary Spirit into the Digital Age
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When Italian cycling legend Francesco Moser shattered the hour record in 1984 aboard his revolutionary pursuit bike with disc wheels, he inadvertently sparked a design revolution that would echo through decades of bicycle innovation. Italian product designer Paolo De Giusti’s 36/28 Postale pursuit bike concept channels that same spirit of radical experimentation, merging cutting-edge 3D-printing technology with aggressive track geometry to create what might be cycling’s first truly cyberpunk messenger machine—a velocipede that looks ripped straight from the pages of William Gibson’s Virtual Light or Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash.
Frame Architecture: The Symmetrical Triangle System
The Postale’s frame represents a masterclass in geometric efficiency and manufacturing innovation typical of modern pursuit bike engineering. De Giusti employs a dual isosceles triangle design that pushes the boundaries of traditional bicycle architecture. This revolutionary frame construction utilizes 3D-printed thermoplastic polymer ABS and PVC materials, departing dramatically from conventional aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composites typically found in contemporary racing bicycles and track machines.
What makes this pursuit bike frame truly remarkable is its perfect symmetrical design—the left and right sides mirror each other exactly, as do the top and bottom portions. This symmetry isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s a calculated engineering decision that simplifies production scalability. By reducing the number of unique components needed for assembly, De Giusti has created a framework that could theoretically transition from prototype to mass production with minimal retooling.
Despite accommodating a massive rear wheel, the compact frame geometry maintains compatibility for riders starting at 1.75 meters in height. This achievement in ergonomic design demonstrates how innovative thinking can overcome seemingly insurmountable spatial constraints. The frame’s triangulated structure provides exceptional lateral stiffness while maintaining the forward-leaning aerodynamic position characteristic of time trial machines and velodrome racers.
Wheel Asymmetry Engineering: The 36/28 Configuration
Perhaps the most visually striking element of this pursuit bike is its radical wheel size differential. The enormous 36-inch rear wheel, shrouded in neoprene covering, paired with a more conventional 28-inch front wheel creates an aggressive stance reminiscent of vintage penny-farthing bicycles reimagined for the modern era.
This asymmetrical wheel configuration serves multiple performance objectives essential to pursuit bike dynamics. The larger rear wheel provides increased momentum conservation and improved rolling efficiency over urban obstacles, while the neoprene covering adds aerodynamic benefits by smoothing airflow around the spinning spokes. The integration of a Nexus internally geared hub within this oversized wheel demonstrates sophisticated drivetrain engineering, offering multiple gear ratios without the complexity and maintenance requirements of traditional derailleur systems.
The smaller front wheel enhances maneuverability and reduces the overall wheelbase, critical factors for navigating congested city streets. This configuration shifts the rider’s center of gravity forward, creating the characteristic lo-pro position that reduces frontal area and wind resistance. The weight distribution achieved through this design provides stability at speed while maintaining the quick handling characteristics essential for urban courier applications and track racing scenarios.
3D-Printed Components and Manufacturing Innovation
De Giusti’s embrace of additive manufacturing technology represents a paradigm shift in pursuit bike production methodology. The fork ‘wings’ and various frame elements emerge from 3D printers layer by layer, allowing for complex geometries impossible to achieve through traditional tube welding or carbon layup processes.
The thermoplastic polymers used in construction offer unique properties that differentiate them from conventional materials. While lacking the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber, these printed plastics provide excellent vibration damping characteristics and can be recycled at end-of-life, addressing growing environmental concerns in the cycling industry.
Integration points for commercial components demonstrate pragmatic design thinking in pursuit bike development. The Azzurro crankset and 100mm fat bike bottom bracket specification ensure that despite its revolutionary appearance, the Postale maintains compatibility with readily available replacement parts. This hybrid approach—combining cutting-edge printed elements with proven commercial components—creates a bridge between experimental design and practical functionality.
The printing process itself opens possibilities for customization previously unimaginable in bicycle manufacturing. Each frame could theoretically be tailored to individual rider measurements and preferences without the prohibitive costs associated with custom traditional frames or specialized track machines.
Ergonomics and Rider Interface: Fixed Geometry Design
The Postale’s non-adjustable saddle mounting system might seem limiting, but it reflects De Giusti’s commitment to pursuit bike design purity and his understanding of the intended use case. The fixed saddle position, integrated directly into the frame structure, eliminates potential failure points while maintaining the sleek aesthetic profile essential to aerodynamic efficiency.
This innovative pursuit bike maintains surprisingly conventional ergonomics despite its radical appearance. The riding position, while aggressive, doesn’t deviate significantly from standard road racing bicycles, making it accessible to experienced cyclists without requiring adaptation to extreme positioning. However, the forward-leaning stance and fixed geometry limit comfortable riding duration to approximately one hour—perfect for urban messenger runs but unsuitable for endurance events.
The biomechanics of the riding position optimize power transfer through the pedals while minimizing aerodynamic drag, crucial elements in any pursuit bike design. The low frontal profile achieved through this geometry would prove advantageous in the urban canyons where bicycle messengers battle both traffic and headwinds. Paolo De Giusti, himself an avid cyclist, clearly understands the balance between form and function, creating a machine that serves its intended purpose without compromising rider efficiency or the fundamental principles that make a pursuit bike effective.
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